Electro-optical signal translation

ABSTRACT

Electro-optical signal translation means and methods are provided for use in printing and other applications. An electrooptical signal translator has a font carrying images each identified by a set of orthogonal coordinates. Means define radiant energy beam paths and a plurality of radiant energy sensitive means are operatively positioned for defining a second orthogonal coordinate. The first means preferably comprises a plurality of light sources operatively associated with a plurality of light pipes for passing light beams through the font and onto a deflecting means for deflecting light beams to photoelectric cells for defining the second orthogonal coordinate and thus selecting a particular image carried by the font.

United States Patent 1 Kittredge [541 ELECTRO-OPTICAL SIGNAL TRANSLATION[76] Inventor: Edward D. Kittredge, 43 Orange Street, Nashua, N.l-l.03060 [22] Filed: March 19, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 20,921

[52] U.S. Cl ..250/2l9 D, 178/30, 250/237 [51] Int. Cl. ..G0ln 21/30[58] Field of Search ..197/1, 1.5, 5; 250/219 CR,

250/219 D, 219 DD, 237; 346/104;

235/6l.ll E, 61.9, 61.6; 250/229; 340/189,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,278,683 9/1966 Ashby..178/30 3,214,595 10/1965 Johnson ....250/219 D 3,549,895 11/1970Sidorsky ....250/219 D 2,930,847 3/1960 Metzger ..178/30 3,299,4181/1967 Treseder ..l78/30 3,479,651 11/1969 Bowers ....250/219 D3,530,442 9/1970 Collier ..250/219 D 51 Jan. 30, 1973 3,458,655 7/1969Thourson ..178/30 3,422,444 1/1969 Stauffer... 3,191,157 5/1965Parker..... 3,444,319 5/1969 Artzt ..l78/30 Primary ExaminerArchie R.Borchelt Assistant ExaminerD. C. Nelms Attorney-Charles Hieken [57]ABSTRACT Electro-optical signal translation means and methods areprovided for use in printing and other applications.

- An electro-optical signal translator has a font carrying images eachidentified by a set of orthogonal coordinates. Means define radiantenergy beam paths and a plurality of radiant energy sensitive means areoperatively positioned for defining a second orthogonal coordinate. Thefirst means preferably comprises a plurality of light sourcesoperatively associated with a plurality of light pipes for passing lightbeams through the font and onto a deflecting means for deflecting lightbeams to photoelectric cells for defining the second orthogonalcoordinate and thus selecting a particular image carried by the font.

28 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures PAIENTEDJAN 30 ms 3. 7 1 4.446 sum 1 or aINVENTOR EDWARD D. KlTTREDGE PATENTEDJMI 30 ms SHEET 2 OF 3 789IIYZ|23456 It QRSTUVWX IJKLMNOP ABCDERGH FIG.7

INVENTOR EDWARD D. KITTREDGE 6 L cy ad ATTORNEYS FAIENTEU JAN 3 0 I975SHEET 30F 3 0 GOOD-u n Fl G. IO

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ATTORNEYS FIG. I l

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A variety of printing devices are known mostof which use mechanical or electrical translation means or a combinationof electrical and mechanical translation means to select a character tobe printed. Such devices are often expensive, complex, bulky and/orlimited in speed of operation. In some cases, the time required forselection of a particular character to be printed is excessively long.As used in this disclosure, the term printing" refers to any means ormethod of recording an image on a substrate and includes for examplereproduction as by the use of a typewriter.

It is an object of this invention to provide electro-optical signaltranslation means and methods which permit versatility in imageselection.

Another object of this invention is to provide electrooptical signaltranslation means and methods in accordance with the preceding objectwhich permit extremely high speed operation.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a signaltranslation means in accordance with the preceding objects which islight in weight and small in size.

A further object of this invention is to provide electro-optical signaltranslation means and methods for enabling simultaneous transmission ofcodes, instructions and other images such as alpha-numeric characters.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An electro-optical signal translator inaccordance with this invention comprises a font of images eachidentified by a unique set of orthogonal coordinates. Means define aplurality of radiant energy beam paths each associated with respectivefirst ones of said orthogonal coordinates intercepting said font means.Means define a plurality of radiant energy sensitive means eachassociated with respective second ones of said orthogonal coordinatesand means are provided for selecting one of said paths and one of saidradiant energy sensitive means to select that one of said imagesidentified by the set of coordinates corresponding to the selected pathand radiant energy sensitive means. Preferably deflecting means are usedfor deflecting said radiant energy beam paths to activate said radiantenergy sensitive means. In the preferred embodiment, timing means areincorporated for obtaining predetermined timed responses from theradiant energy sensitive means, and the timed responses are preferablycoordinated with a print-out device.

Preferably the radiant energy beams are light beams obtained from aplurality of rows each containing a plurality of light pipes. Preferablyeach row oflight pipes is connected with an individual light emitteracting as a light source and said radiant energy sensitive means is aphotoelectric conversion means having sets of photoelectric cells. Thetiming means is preferably a scan band run in synchronism with movementof printout heads used. In some embodiments, the light pipes can beilluminated and shutter arrangements or other light emitterconfigurations used such as light emitting diodes.

According to the invention, a novel font for use in a stack arrangementin the electro-optical signal translators of this invention has anopaque planar member defining a plurality of image-carrying sectionsarranged on orthogonal coordinates. The images are aligned in rows withat least two of the rows being separated by a light transparent portionof the planar member so that when two fonts are stacked either one canbe moved to an operative position by shifting its image-carryingsections to lie adjacent the light transparent portion of the otherfont. Preferably each section carries light transparent letters ornumbers in combination with a light transparent code indication. In analternate embodiment of the font, the light transparent portioncomprises a plurality of transparent portions in each imagecarryingsection rather than between rows. The light transparent sections can forexample, be parallel slots with portions of the image positioned betweenthe slots.

A novel print-out mechanism useful with the electrooptical signaltranslator of this invention has two printout heads mounted for movementin a straight line with means for moving the heads toward and away fromeach other. Means actuate one of the print-out heads to print while theother print-out head is not printing and vice versa.

According to the method of this invention, an image is selected from afont carrying the images with each.

image identified by a set of orthogonal coordinates. Radiant energybeams are passed through the font to select a first orthogonalcoordinate from the font and radiant energy sensitive means are used todefine a second orthogonal coordinate thereby selecting a particularpredetermined image from the font.

It is a feature of this invention that an electro-optical signaltranslator can be made with few parts at small cost and with small size.Yet, the signal translator permits image selection rapidly at speeds atleast as high as 1,000 words per minute. A large variety of charactersare available for selection in short time periods. The image means ispreferably made interchangeable with other image means, as can easily bedone, to permit use of a single instrument for printing any languageand/or groups of numbers. Codes can be printed simultaneously withprint-out of characters such as letters or numbers. Silent operationprinters of small size can be made in accordance with the presentinvention. The signal translators of this invention have few or nomechanical moving parts thus minimizing maintenance and wear problems.An electro-optical signal translator in accordance with this inventionmay receive input data asynchronously at any rate up to its maximumrate, which may be thousands of words per minute.

Preferably the electro-optical signal translators of this invention areused in conjunction with keyboard devices such as typewriter keyboardselectors and print-out devices for utilizing the electrical responseobtained to print out characters as on a typewriter roll. Theelectro-optical signal translator can also be used for officereproduction apparatus, editorial machines, computer read-outs and thelike. Suitable connection can be made to obtain direct visual display ason television screens or to obtain magnetic tape recordings, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and other objects, featuresand advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understoodfrom the following description when read in connection with theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a semidiagrammatic view of a preferred embodiment of theelectro-optical signal translator of this invention incorporated in aprinting system,

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of theelectro-optical signal translator thereof;

FIG. 2A is a bottom view of an element thereof;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary top view of an element thereof;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of elements thereof;

FIG. 5 is a front view of an image font thereof;

FIG. 6 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of elements thereof;

FIG. 7 is a semidiagrammatic plan view of an alternate embodiment of anelectro-optical signal translator ofthis invention;

FIG. 7A is a top view of an element thereof;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an element thereof;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary top view of a font thereof;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary top view of an alternate font thereof; and

FIG. 11 is a front view of a styli head useful in connection with thisinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With reference now to the drawingsand more particularly FIG. 1, a printing system is generally indicatedat 10 comprising a print-out device 11, an electro-optical signaltranslator 12 and an input signal means 13. As best shown in FIGS. 1-5,the signal translator of the preferred embodiment has a radiant energybeam producing selection 14, an aligned font 15, a scan band 16, aparabolic deflecting mirror 17 and a radiant energy sensitive section18.

The radiant energy beam producing section 14 has a plate 20 made of anopaque material defining integral parallel upstanding walls 21. In thepreferred embodiment, six parallel walls 21 are provided and eachdefines eight light pipes 22 with each light pipe having a first end 23at a top surface of its wall 21 and a second end 24 extending to thebottom surface of plate 20. The light pipes are thus arranged in sixrows with the light pipes of each row defining one set of orthogonalcoordinates as on an X axis. The light pipes are preferably hollowchannels for directing light to define the: one set of coordinates.

Radiant energy means used are preferably light emitters such aselongated argon bulbs 25 positioned adjacent the first ends 23 as bestshown in FIG. 2. Other noble gas discharge lamps and the like of variousshapes can be used. The light emitters can be blackened out as with theuse of reflective materials to provide light only to the area of thefirst ends of the light pipes if desired. When a particular lightemitter source 25 is activated, light will pass, through the light pipesalong a particular row of light pipes in one of the walls 21. Directlyunderlying each light pipe is a light passageway 26 formed as forexample by an open ended opaque divider box 27. The divider box ispositioned adjacent the lower surface of plate 20 as best seen in FIG.4. The lower end of the divider box 27 is provided with a plurality ofspherical lenses or Fresnel lenses 28 with one lens associated with eachpassageway 26 so that light passing from any light pipe 22 is formedinto a parallel beam oflight as indicated at 29 in FIG. 4.

Directly underlying the series of lenses 28 is a font 15 as best shownin FIG. 5. The font 15 has a plurality of characters lying on parallelorthogonal axes such as X and Y axes, at right angles to each other asindicated. The font 15 can have letter characters or numericalcharacters as indicated or any other image to be transmitted. The fontcan be a paper card such as an IBM- type card having small holes punchedin the form of each character as known in the art. Alternatively, thefont can comprise any other known font means including films and thelike wherein the characters permit passage of the radiant energy such aslight whereas the background material about the characters are opaqueand prevent passage of light. Each character is aligned with a lens 28so as to be capable of receiving a parallel ray beam of light throughit. Any conventional font holder can be used to position the font in theposition shown in FIG. 2. Moreover, the font holder can be formed topermit interchangeability of fonts allowing a wide variation in thenumber of characters available for selection. Interchangeability offonts permits printing in a variety of languages, codes and the like.Moreover, the number of light pipes, rows of light pipes and radiantenergy sensitive means further enhances the versatility of the deviceenabling a large variety of images to be selected.

Underlying the font 15 is a timing device which preferably comprises anendless tape or film forming a scan band 16 of opaque material driven inthe direction of arrows 30 and having a plurality of equally spacedparallel light transparent slits 31. The tape is a scan band and acts asa timing device to time the display of light beams passing therethroughon the row of photocells 42. The scan band 16 is preferably moved at aconstant speed synchronized with the speed of the print-out device aswill be described to permit passage of light beams 29 at predeterminedtimed intervals.

Within the scan band 16 is positioned a parabolic single focal linemirror or light deflector 17 having a width corresponding to at leastthe distance between the furthermost light pipe ends 24 of each row. Thedeflector 17 is capable of picking up light beams 29 from each row oflight pipes 22 and deflecting all or any of said light beams to pointsalong a line indicated at 40 illustrated by the reflected beam 41illustrated in FIG. 2.

As best seen in the fragmentary view of FIG. 3, aligned with line 40 isa row of radiant energy sensitive means arranged .parallel to the rowsof light pipe ends 24. The radiant energy sensitive means are preferablya plurality of photosensitive diodes 42 as known in the art. The section18 of the preferred embodiment carries eight sets or groups 42A ofeleven photodiodes 42 in each set. Each set is aligned to receive areflected parallel light beam from any one of the light pipes along a Yaxis perpendicular. to the X axis of the rows of light pipes in eachwall 21. Preferably eleven photodiodes are used in each set to enableuse of a print-out head as known in the art comprising eleven styli in avertical direction. This enables use of nine styli to print a charactersuch as a letter or number and two styli for commas or other descenders.Suitable electrical leads (not shown) interconnect the photocells withthe styli preferably through an amplifier and also interconnect thephotocells and light emitters with a signal input 13. Photosensitivediodes or photoelectric cells can be fabricated by thick film techniquesor ceramic substrates. As is known, more than 200 photocells can begrouped in each square inch withminimum cell size being 0.040 X 0.040with minimum conductor width and spacing at 0.015 inch. Dynamicresistance range of photocells can be greater than one million to 1.Peak spectral responses can be obtained in the range of 6,500A to7,100A. The position of the row of photodiodes 42 is selected to liebetween two parallel rows of light pipe ends 24 so as not to obstructlight beams emanating from any of the light pipes in use.

In use of the electro-optical signal selector, a conventional inputdevice is used to actuate a desired one of the light emitters 25 and adesired segment 42A of the photocells 42 is enabled preferablysimultaneously as by punching a key of a typewriter keyboard. The inputcauses an entire row of light pipes such as the first row on the rightof FIG. 2 to be activated causing light to pass through the light pipes22, lenses 28 of a row where the light is formed into parallel raybeams, and one row such as an X axis row of the font. The light beams 29pass downwardly to the deflecting mirror 17 in a timed sequence by scanband 16 and from thence upwardly to the row of photocells 42. Since onlyone preselected segment of photocells is enabled, that segment selects"the particular character along a Y axis and translates the light beamreceived into electrical signals corresponding to the characterselected. The electrical signals from each photocell of the enabledsegment are amplified and transmitted to a print-out system in timedsequence or transmitted to any other system as will be described. Themotor 63 can be run at suitable intervals to actuate the print-out headmovement and synchronous scan band movement whenever a letter is calledfor by the input.

In an alternate embodiment of the signal translator, the deflectingmirror 17 is replaced by a conventional elongated lens 50 as shown inFIG. 6 with the row of photoreceptive diodes 42 underlying the lens 50so that a selected one of the light beams reaching the lens 50 will bedirected to a selected segment made up of photocells 42 in the samemanner as previously described.

In still another embodiment of the invention, each light pipe 22 isprovided with its own light emitter 25. The keyboard device, byconventional means known in the art is designed to actuate a singlelight emitter and simultaneously all of the photocells 42 are enabled.In this embodiment, only a single beam of light 29 is passed to thedeflecting means 17 or 50 and from thence to a predetermined segment ofphotocell of the row 42. In this embodiment, the light pipe 22 can beeliminated and a light source aligned with each passageway 26. Thus, inthis embodiment, the X, Y coordinates of the light beam corresponding tothe X, Y coordinates desired on the font 115 are selected by the inputdevice 13 in a known manner. Alternately, light pipes 22 can beeliminated with each passageway 26 having its own associated lightsource and with suitable wiring to actuate an entire row of lightsources connected in series along the X axis.

The preferred print-out device shown in FIG. 1 comprises an amplifier60, printing heads 61 and 62 and dive motor 63 for recording thecharacter selected on a recording means such as paper (not shown)mounted on a rotating platen 64 such as a conventional typewriterroller. I

The heads 61 and 62 are preferably identical and can comprise a seriesof styli as are known in the art to receive amplified signals from theamplifier 60 whereby the styli are actuated to print out the characterselected. The heads can comprise pop styli or a variety of print-outdevices such as pressure means for activating a pressure sensitivepaper, optical means activated by the amplified signal to print out thecharacter on photosensitive paper or fine wire styli to print out onelectrosensitive paper and the like.

Preferably two heads 61 and 62 are used slidably mountedon a barparallel to the roller 64. The heads are interconnected with a driveband 65 driven through a pulley system 66 attached to a reversing gear67 which is in turn driven through clutch 68 interconnected with themotor 63. Preferably the motor 63 drives both the band 65 and the scanband 16 in synchronism through a drive pulley 69. In the preferredembodiment, the heads 61 and 62 are electrically connected by torquespring wires 70 and 71 in identical windup mechanism 72 and 73 whichpermits movement of the heads and constant low stress on the conductors70, 71 during movement of the heads.

The heads 61 and 62 are designed to move so that head 61 moves from theleft-hand edge of the roller 64 to the center thereof and back againwith the righthand head 62 moving back to the center and reaching thecenter when the left-hand head reaches the center and then moving to theright-hand edge of roller 64 as the left-hand head 61 returns to theleft-hand edge thereof. The left-hand head is actuated at one period oftime while the right-hand head is returning and vice versa to increasespeed of the device and cut down problems caused by rapid movement overlong distances of the heads which problems include high forces ofmomentum. In order to achieve the desired movement of the heads 61 and62, switching means are provided so that the heads may be connected withone head linked to the lower span of the belt 65 as at and the otherhead linked to the upper-span of the belt as at 81. A trip switch 82 isprovided to reverse direction of the belt when the heads meet at thecenter of the roller and to reverse electrical input from the cells 42from one head to the other. Alternatively, a single styli printout headcan be used along with a register. The register holds electric signalsfrom the cells 42 when the head is returning to the left and feeds tothe head during left to right movement.

The styli head or heads used can be provided with an extra stylusactivated directly from the keyboard or input to underline words printedthus enabling simultaneous print-out of characters and underlining. Forexample, a styli head 61A is shown in FIG. 8 having an extra or 12thstylus 618 for underlining a character printed by the top eleven styli.

In all embodiments, the electro-optical signal translators are operatedin a darkened condition as by the use of an opaque casing enclosing thedevice in order to prevent outside light from interfering withoperation.

An alternate embodiment of the electro-optical signal translator 12 isillustrated in FIGS. 7, 7A and 8 at wherein parts identical toembodiment 12 are given identical numbers. In the embodiment 100, aplurality of light sources are provided along X axes with associatedlenses 28 for providing parallel ray light beams which are passedthrough a selected font of a plurality of fonts, deflected by a mirrorsuch as 17 onto a row of light sensitive photocell 42 as previouslydescribed.

The light sources are formed by a single light bulb or emitter 101 or aplurality of light emitters mounted in a chamber 102 designed to passlight to the entire surface of a shutter plate 103. The light in thechamber 102 is continuously illuminated during usage as in a printerdevice. The shutter 103 of the preferred embodiment comprises an opaqueflat member 104 having a plurality of slits 105 extending therethroughand aligned on 24 parallel X axes. Preferably intermediate each throughslit 105 is a cylindrical shutter rod 107 each having through lightpassages or ports 108 with four ports 108 aligned within the rod. Therod may be of a stiff opaque material so that rotation of the rod willalternately permit light passage through slits 105 or obstruct suchpassage whereby the rods acts as a shutter means. A conventional torquemotor (not shown) or other driving device can be used to rotate aselected one of rods 107 to reciprocal positions allowing passage oflight and to a position obstructing passage of light. Aligned with theslits 105 is the divider box 27 and lenses 28 for obtaining parallelbeams of light 29 as previously described. The only difference in theembodiment 100 is that the divider box, plate 103 and lenses 28 areformed so that four parallel beams of light can be obtained along eachof 12 parallel X axes (rather than eight) on either side of a centralplane 1 of the device 100, and 12 parallel light beams along each offour parallel Y axes.

Instead of a single interchangeable font 15, a plurality of fonts areused in two stacks 111 on either side of plane 110 as seen in FIG. 7.The different fonts of the stacks 111 may carry different alphabets,numerical systems or other images as desired and enables greaterversatility in the device 100. Only one font 111 is used in operation atany period of time. A suitable shift mechanism can be actuated by akeyboard as by example actuating a solenoid to move one font of eachstack into the proper coordinates to match the light beams from thelight source as desired.

A particularly desirable font arrangement is shown in FIG. 9 wherein thefont 115 is formed of a paper card such as an IBM card having fourimage-carrying sections or rectangles along each Y axes with twelveparallel X axes provided thus each section is defined by one of twelve Xaxes and one of four Y axes. Between each vertical column lying on an Xaxes, are a series of cutout holes or light transparent portions 120preferably of a size at least as large as each section. When cards suchas 115 are stacked, holes 120 are aligned. Movement of any one of thecards in a stack such as in the direction of arrow 121 by a distance ofone column width, enables that card to align its image-carrying sections with the paths of the parallel beams of light from the lightsource. Reciprocal movement reverse to the direction of arrow 121 placesthe card back in its inoperative position in the stack. Thus, when fivecards in each stack 111 are used in the embodiment 100, any one of 10fonts can be selected by suitable actuation as of a typewriter key.Moreover, by the use of a dual stack as in embodiment 100, one card ofeach stack can be positioned for use simultaneously thereby increasingthe characters immediately available for use by the operator.

As shown in FIG. 9 on card each rectangular area identified by an XYcoordinate, carries punched holes allowing light transmission throughthe otherwise opaque card in the form of a number or letter and inaddition, carries a punched code across its upper edge. The code punchedholes 122 enable simultaneous print-out of a character along withencoding. The encoding can be accomplished as by attaching an encoderunit indicated diagrammatically at 200 to one photocell of each segment42A. Thus, as a number is translated into an electrical signal by cellsof a segment 42A, the code 122 is simultaneously translated as onto amagnetic tape, visual display or other storage unit which may comprise atape recorder such as 200. This device enables encoding along with or ifno characters are used, by itself in any number of codes such as ASCII,Burroughs 44 or other codes. Permanent records of any printed materialcan be made simultaneously with the material by the use of system suchas described or telephonic or telegraphic messages can be produced. Thedrive gear 69 can be used to drive a magnetic recorder capstan so that asingle motor such as 63 drives the print-out, scan band and encoderdevice.

In an alternate embodiment, cards 116 are used. Cards 116 aresubstantially identical in principle to cards 115; however, in thesecards, each image-carrying rectangular section has a plurality oftransparent or cut out slots 123. The data carried as by punched holescomprises the holes defining a character, numeral and/or code beinginterspaced with the light transparent portions or cut out slots 123.When cards such as 116 are stacked, one card can be placed in the beamsof light as required by shifting of the card from the stack as in thedirection of arrow 124. Reverse movement places the card back in thestack with all light passing through the slots 123. The same principleof cut outs can be used for tapes, films and the like in stacks ratherthan cards.

The deflector is mirror 17 as previously described which comprises afirst surface parabolic lens as previously described. The mirror islocated to direct all light beams passing to it to the row of photocells42. The row of photocells 42 is arranged as previously described withrespect to embodiment 12 except that only four segments 42A are usedwith eleven cells in each segment. Each photocell 42 is suitably wiredto a stylus print-out head and the individual styli thereof aspreviously described, by conventional electrical wiring and to amplifiermeans as known in the art. Scan band 16 is provided as previouslydescribed.

In this embodiment, a baffle arrangement is positioned between the scanband and the surface of the mirror 17. The baffle 130 as best shown inFIG. 8 is made up of a plurality of opaque, generally sectorshaped flatmembers 131 arranged parallel to each other preferably mounted onparallel support rods 132.

Each baffle member 131 acts to prevent unwanted reflection of light in atop to bottom direction as shown in FIG. 8 as may occur if the lightbeams are not made up of perfectly parallel light rays. Parallel spaces133 extend from the front of the baffle to the rear opened end allowinglight rays to be deflected by the mirror 17. Each space 133 is alignedwith one photocell of the row of photocells 42 so that a light beam 41as previously described is allowed to activate desired photocells. Ifeleven photocells are used in each of four segments, 44 spaces 133 willbe provided by the baffle member 131.

In a modification of embodiment 100, a second shutter plate constructedas described with respect to shutter plate 103 is used. However, eachrod 107 has 24 circular ports 108 therethrough and four rods are used.The second shutter plate is positioned directly adjacent and above plate103 with the sets of rods of each plate perpendicular to the sets ofrods of the other in planes parallel to each other and the ports 108 ofeach plate aligned with each other along with orthogonal coordinates ofthe stacks 111. ln this embodiment, the input means is used tosimultaneously activate a selected shutter rod of the first plate 103and a selected shutter rod of the second shutter plate to thus define X,Y coordinates permitting a single light beam to pass to the selectedimage-carrying section of a properly positioned font. In thismodification, all of the photocells are enabled (in condition toelectrically respond) simultaneously with simultaneous activation of theshutter rods as by rotation of two selected shutter rods (one in eachplate).

It should be understood that while specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been shown and described, many variations are possible.For example, baffles such as 130 can be used in conjunction withembodiment 12 if desired. Similarly, stacks of fonts can be used in anyof the embodiments of this invention. In some cases, a shutterarrangement can be used in the embodiment of device 12 or alternately alight pipe or other light source arrangement can be used in embodiment100. Fonts such as 115 or 116 can be used in the embodiment 12 and asuitable permanent recording take off provided as known in the art.Rather than a permanent recording take off for the code used, the codedportion of the fonts can be used to activate a telephonic or telegraphicsignal or the like.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for selecting an image comprising,

font means carrying images each identified by a unique set of orthogonalcoordinates,

means defining a plurality of radiant energy beam paths each associatedwith respective first ones of said orthogonal coordinates interceptingsaid font means,

means defining a plurality of radiant energy sensitive means eachassociated with respective second ones of said orthogonal coordinates,

means for selecting one of said paths and one of said radiant energysensitive means to select that one of said images identified by the setof coordinates corresponding to the selected path and radiant energysensitive means,

deflecting means for deflecting a number of said radiant energy beampaths upon a predetermined one of said radiant energy sensitive means,

timing means for obtaining predetermined timed responses from saidradiant energy sensitive means,

said means defining a plurality of radiant energy beam paths comprisinga plurality of light sources and said radiant energy sensitive meanscomprising a plurality of sets of photoelectric cells,

said means defining a plurality of radiant energy beam paths comprisingmeans for forming light from said light sources into parallel rays,

and said timing means comprising scan band means interposed in said beampaths for timing passage of radiant energy along said paths to saiddeflecting means.

2. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said timing meanscomprises a moving scan band defining opaque and light transmittingareas, and print-out means for printing said selected one image,

said print-out means comprising a plurality of styli mounted forsynchronous movement with said scan band.

3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 2 wherein one of said plurality ofstyli is positioned to underline images printed by said print-out means,

and means for actuating said one stylus.

4. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means defining aplurality of radiant energy beam paths further comprises a plurality ofrows oflight pipes arranged on first axes with said sets ofphotoelectric cells defining second axes,

each of said plurality of light sources being aligned with a row of saidlight pipes whereby an entire row of light pipes is illuminated by asingle light source. 5. Apparatus in accordance with claim 4 and furthercomprising said font means comprising a plurality of fonts in a stack,

said stack being arranged to permit alignment of any one of said fontsin operative position intercepting said radiant energy beam paths.

6. Apparatus in accordance with claim 5 and further comprising inputmeans for actuating one of said light sources simultaneously withenabling one of said sets of photoelectric cells,

and print-out means for receiving electrical output from said sets ofphotoelectric cells to record said images over a time period controlledby said scan band means.

7. Apparatus in accordance with claim 6 and further comprising encodermeans for receiving electrical output from one photocell in each set andencoding said output simultaneously with operation of said print-outmeans.

8. Apparatus in accordance with claim 6 and further comprising,

said print-out means comprising two print-out heads,

means for moving said print-out heads along a straight line so that saidprint-out heads move toward and away from each other,

means for actuating one of said print-out heads to print whiledeactuating printing of the other of said print-out heads and viceversa,

and a second font means carrying images each identified by a set oforthogonal coordinates,

said first-mentioned and second font means being stacked,

said images being arranged to enable movement of either font means intoand out of operative relation with said radiant energy beams byreciprocal straightline movement of one font means with respect to theother over a distance less than an overall dimension of one font means.

9. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said light sourcescomprise a light emitter and a plurality of shutters,

each of said shutters being arranged in alignment with a respective oneof said beam paths.

10. Apparatus in accordance with claim 9 and further comprising bafflemeans associated with said deflecting means for preventing unwantedactivation of certain of said photocells during operation of saidapparatus.

11. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said individual ones ofsaid light sources are each aligned with a plurality of coordinatesalong an axis,

and individual sets of said photocells define second axes orthogonal tosaid first-mentioned axis.

12. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 and further comprising bafflemeans associated with said deflecting means for preventing unwantedactivation of certain of said photocells during operation of saidapparatus.

13. Apparatus in accordance with claim 11 and further comprising bafflemeans associated with said deflecting means for preventing unwantedactivation of certain of said photocells during operation of saidapparatus.

14. A n electro-optical signal translator for selecting a character byobtaining a predetermined electrical response, said translatorcomprising,

a plurality of rows of light passages with each passage having a firstend and a second end,

said rows of light passages being operatively positioned with respect tofirst axes orthogonal to second axes with at least two light passageslying in each row,

a plurality of light sources positioned at said first ends of said lightpassages with each light source being capable of providing light to eachof the light passages in its row,

lens means associated with each of said second ends to form parallellight rays from light emanating from said light passages,

font means carrying light responsive characters arranged on said firstand second orthogonal axes and defining a plurality of characters eachoperatively associated with a predetermined light passage,

a light ray deflecting means for receiving light signals from any ofsaid rows of light passages after said light has passed through saidfont means,

a row of a plurality of photoelectric means operatively arranged withrespect to said light ray deflecting means whereby deflected lightsignals are passed to said row of photoelectric means and a preselectedone thereof can be enabled to select a predetermined optical charactersignal along one of said second orthogonal axes and convert said opticalcharacter signal to an electrical signal corresponding to the characterdesired.

15. An electro-optical signal translator in accordance with claim 14 andfurther comprising,

means for obtaining said electrical signals corresponding to opticalcharacter signals at predetermined timed intervals.

16. An electro-optical signal translator in accordance with claim 15wherein said light passages are light pipes.

17. An electro-optical signal translator in accordance with claim 16wherein said plurality of light sources comprise a light emitter and aplurality of shutters.

18. An electro-optical signal translator in accordance with claim 14wherein each of said photoelectric means comprises a plurality ofphotoelectric cells.

' 19. An electro-optical signal translator in accordance with claim 18wherein said photoelectric cells of each photo-electric means areelectrically connected with print-out styli and a selected one of saidphotoelectric cells of each photo-electric means is electricallyconnected with an encoding means.

20. An electro-optical signal translator in accordance with claim 18 andfurther comprising a printout head carrying a plurality of styii eachelectrically interconnected with selected ones of said individualphotoelectric cells,

said print-out head being mounted for movement corresponding to saidtimed intervals.

21. A font in accordance with claim 20 and further comprising at leasttwo of said image-carrying sections defining a code means and acharacter means.

22. An electro-optical signal translator in accordance with claim 18wherein said font means comprise a plurality of stacks of planar fonts.

23. A method of obtaining an electrical signal corresponding to an imageselected from a font having images identified by orthogonal coordinates,said method comprising,

passing radiant energy beams through the font to select a firstorthogonal coordinate,

and using radiant energy sensitive means to define a second orthogonalcoordinate whereby a predetermined image is selected.

24. A method in accordance with the method of claim 23 wherein saidradiant energy beams are light beams and said radiant energy sensitivemeans are aligned sets of photoelectric cells and further comprising thesteps of forming said light beams into parallel ray light beams,

said parallel ray light beams being passed through the font along aselected row of images lying on an X axis,

and deflecting said light beams to direct said light beams to saidaligned sets of photoelectric cells.

25. A method in accordance with the method of claim 24 and furthercomprising,

passing said light beams to a scan means after passage through saidfont.

26. A method in accordance with the method of claim 25 and furthercomprising enabling only one set of photoelectric cells simultaneouslywith passage of said light beams whereby said only one set ofphotoelectric cells produces an electrical image signal corresponding tosaid selected image.

27. A method in accordance with the method of claim 26 wherein saidparallel ray light beam are passed through said font to select a singleimage and all of said sets of photo-electric cells are simultaneouslyenabled whereby said light beams select said first and second orthogonalcoordinates.

28. A method of obtaining a electrical signal corresponding to an imageselected from a font having 4 images identified by orthogonalcoordinates, said method comprising,

selecting a means for forming a radiant energy beam passing through apredetermined image of said font, using radiant energy sensitive meansto obtain an

1. Apparatus for selecting an image comprising, font means carryingimages each identified by a unique set of orthogonal coordinates, meansdefining a plurality of radiant energy beam paths each associated withrespective first ones of said orthogonal coordinates intercepting saidfont means, means defining a plurality of radiant energy sensitive meanseach associated with respective second ones of said orthogonalcoordinates, means for selecting one of said paths and one of saidradiant energy sensitive means to select that one of said imagesidentified by the set of coordinates corresponding to the selected pathand radiant energy sensitive means, deflecting means for deflecting anumber of said radiant energy beam paths upon a predetermined one ofsaid radiant energy sensitive means, timing means for obtainingpredetermined timed responses from said radiant energy sensitive means,said means defining a plurality of radiant energy beam paths comprisinga plurality of light sources and said radiant energy sensitive meanscomprising a plurality of sets of photoelectric cells, said meansdefining a Plurality of radiant energy beam paths comprising means forforming light from said light sources into parallel rays, and saidtiming means comprising scan band means interposed in said beam pathsfor timing passage of radiant energy along said paths to said deflectingmeans.
 1. Apparatus for selecting an image comprising, font meanscarrying images each identified by a unique set of orthogonalcoordinates, means defining a plurality of radiant energy beam pathseach associated with respective first ones of said orthogonalcoordinates intercepting said font means, means defining a plurality ofradiant energy sensitive means each associated with respective secondones of said orthogonal coordinates, means for selecting one of saidpaths and one of said radiant energy sensitive means to select that oneof said images identified by the set of coordinates corresponding to theselected path and radiant energy sensitive means, deflecting means fordeflecting a number of said radiant energy beam paths upon apredetermined one of said radiant energy sensitive means, timing meansfor obtaining predetermined timed responses from said radiant energysensitive means, said means defining a plurality of radiant energy beampaths comprising a plurality of light sources and said radiant energysensitive means comprising a plurality of sets of photoelectric cells,said means defining a Plurality of radiant energy beam paths comprisingmeans for forming light from said light sources into parallel rays, andsaid timing means comprising scan band means interposed in said beampaths for timing passage of radiant energy along said paths to saiddeflecting means.
 2. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 whereinsaid timing means comprises a moving scan band defining opaque and lighttransmitting areas, and print-out means for printing said selected oneimage, said print-out means comprising a plurality of styli mounted forsynchronous movement with said scan band.
 3. Apparatus in accordancewith claim 2 wherein one of said plurality of styli is positioned tounderline images printed by said print-out means, and means foractuating said one stylus.
 4. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1wherein said means defining a plurality of radiant energy beam pathsfurther comprises a plurality of rows of light pipes arranged on firstaxes with said sets of photoelectric cells defining second axes, each ofsaid plurality of light sources being aligned with a row of said lightpipes whereby an entire row of light pipes is illuminated by a singlelight source.
 5. Apparatus in accordance with claim 4 and furthercomprising said font means comprising a plurality of fonts in a stack,said stack being arranged to permit alignment of any one of said fontsin operative position intercepting said radiant energy beam paths. 6.Apparatus in accordance with claim 5 and further comprising input meansfor actuating one of said light sources simultaneously with enabling oneof said sets of photoelectric cells, and print-out means for receivingelectrical output from said sets of photoelectric cells to record saidimages over a time period controlled by said scan band means. 7.Apparatus in accordance with claim 6 and further comprising encodermeans for receiving electrical output from one photocell in each set andencoding said output simultaneously with operation of said print-outmeans.
 8. Apparatus in accordance with claim 6 and further comprising,said print-out means comprising two print-out heads, means for movingsaid print-out heads along a straight line so that said print-out headsmove toward and away from each other, means for actuating one of saidprint-out heads to print while deactuating printing of the other of saidprint-out heads and vice versa, and a second font means carrying imageseach identified by a set of orthogonal coordinates, said first-mentionedand second font means being stacked, said images being arranged toenable movement of either font means into and out of operative relationwith said radiant energy beams by reciprocal straightline movement ofone font means with respect to the other over a distance less than anoverall dimension of one font means.
 9. Apparatus in accordance withclaim 1 wherein said light sources comprise a light emitter and aplurality of shutters, each of said shutters being arranged in alignmentwith a respective one of said beam paths.
 10. Apparatus in accordancewith claim 9 and further comprising baffle means associated with saiddeflecting means for preventing unwanted activation of certain of saidphotocells during operation of said apparatus.
 11. Apparatus inaccordance with claim 1 wherein said individual ones of said lightsources are each aligned with a plurality of coordinates along an axis,and individual sets of said photocells define second axes orthogonal tosaid first-mentioned axis.
 12. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 andfurther comprising baffle means associated with said deflecting meansfor preventing unwanted activation of certain of said photocells duringoperation of said apparatus.
 13. Apparatus in accordance with claim 11and further comprising baffle means associated with said deflectingmeans for preventing unwanted activation of certain of said photocellsduring operation of said apparatuS.
 14. An electro-optical signaltranslator for selecting a character by obtaining a predeterminedelectrical response, said translator comprising, a plurality of rows oflight passages with each passage having a first end and a second end,said rows of light passages being operatively positioned with respect tofirst axes orthogonal to second axes with at least two light passageslying in each row, a plurality of light sources positioned at said firstends of said light passages with each light source being capable ofproviding light to each of the light passages in its row, lens meansassociated with each of said second ends to form parallel light raysfrom light emanating from said light passages, font means carrying lightresponsive characters arranged on said first and second orthogonal axesand defining a plurality of characters each operatively associated witha predetermined light passage, a light ray deflecting means forreceiving light signals from any of said rows of light passages aftersaid light has passed through said font means, a row of a plurality ofphotoelectric means operatively arranged with respect to said light raydeflecting means whereby deflected light signals are passed to said rowof photoelectric means and a preselected one thereof can be enabled toselect a predetermined optical character signal along one of said secondorthogonal axes and convert said optical character signal to anelectrical signal corresponding to the character desired.
 15. Anelectro-optical signal translator in accordance with claim 14 andfurther comprising, means for obtaining said electrical signalscorresponding to optical character signals at predetermined timedintervals.
 16. An electro-optical signal translator in accordance withclaim 15 wherein said light passages are light pipes.
 17. Anelectro-optical signal translator in accordance with claim 16 whereinsaid plurality of light sources comprise a light emitter and a pluralityof shutters.
 18. An electro-optical signal translator in accordance withclaim 14 wherein each of said photoelectric means comprises a pluralityof photoelectric cells.
 19. An electro-optical signal translator inaccordance with claim 18 wherein said photoelectric cells of eachphoto-electric means are electrically connected with print-out styli anda selected one of said photoelectric cells of each photo-electric meansis electrically connected with an encoding means.
 20. An electro-opticalsignal translator in accordance with claim 18 and further comprising aprint-out head carrying a plurality of styli each electricallyinterconnected with selected ones of said individual photoelectriccells, said print-out head being mounted for movement corresponding tosaid timed intervals.
 21. A font in accordance with claim 20 and furthercomprising at least two of said image-carrying sections defining a codemeans and a character means.
 22. An electro-optical signal translator inaccordance with claim 18 wherein said font means comprise a plurality ofstacks of planar fonts.
 23. A method of obtaining an electrical signalcorresponding to an image selected from a font having images identifiedby orthogonal coordinates, said method comprising, passing radiantenergy beams through the font to select a first orthogonal coordinate,and using radiant energy sensitive means to define a second orthogonalcoordinate whereby a predetermined image is selected.
 24. A method inaccordance with the method of claim 23 wherein said radiant energy beamsare light beams and said radiant energy sensitive means are aligned setsof photoelectric cells and further comprising the steps of forming saidlight beams into parallel ray light beams, said parallel ray light beamsbeing passed through the font along a selected row of images lying on anX axis, and deflecting said light beams to direct said light beams tosaid aligned sets of photoelectric cells.
 25. A methOd in accordancewith the method of claim 24 and further comprising, passing said lightbeams to a scan means after passage through said font.
 26. A method inaccordance with the method of claim 25 and further comprising enablingonly one set of photoelectric cells simultaneously with passage of saidlight beams whereby said only one set of photoelectric cells produces anelectrical image signal corresponding to said selected image.
 27. Amethod in accordance with the method of claim 26 wherein said parallelray light beam are passed through said font to select a single image andall of said sets of photo-electric cells are simultaneously enabledwhereby said light beams select said first and second orthogonalcoordinates.